Non binding guide to good practice for implementing Directive

Non binding guide to good practice for implementing Directive 2002/44/EC (Vibrations at Work)3.2 CONSULTATION AND PARTICIPATIONOF WORKERSThe successful management of risks relies on the supportand involvement of workers, and in particular theirrepresentatives. Representatives can provide an effectivechannel of communication with the workforce and assistworkers in understanding and using health and safety information.Lower-back pain may be caused by a combination of factors,including whole-body vibration exposure, so a varietyof different solutions may be necessary. Some solutionsmay be quite straightforward. Other solutions will requiremodifi cations to the way in which work is organised.These issues can often only be effectively dealt with inconsultation with workplace representatives.Effective consultation relies on:• the sharing of relevant information about health andsafety measures with workers;• workers being given the opportunity to express theirviews and to contribute in a timely fashion to the resolutionof health and safety issues;• the views of workers being valued and taken in toaccount.3.3.1 Substitution of other working methodsIt may be possible to fi nd alternative work methodsthat avoid or reduce exposure to vibration, e.g. bytransporting materials by conveyor rather than usingmobile machinery. To keep up-to-date on the methodsavailable you should check regularly with:• your trade association;• other industry contacts;• equipment suppliers;• trade journals.3.3.2 Equipment selectionConsultation can result in better control solutions beingidentifi ed that are well understood by the workers. You willbe relying on workers to make the control measures effective.Subject to adequate training and supervision, workershave a duty to make correct use of machinery and tocooperate with the employer to enable them to ensure thattheir environment and working conditions are safe, suchthat risks to safety and health are minimised and wherepossible eliminated. The process of consultation encouragesworker involvement and co-operation with controlmeasures and so ensures that controls are more likely tobe successfully implemented.3.3 RISK CONTROLSTo control exposure you must avoid or reduceexposure to whole-body vibration. It may also bepossible to take actions that reduce the likelihoodof developing or aggravating injury. It is likely thateffective control will be based on a combinationof several methods.In this chapter we look at the engineering,management and other methods that should beconsidered when looking for control solutions.You should make sure that equipment selected or allocatedfor tasks is suitable and can do the work effi ciently.Equipment which is unsuitable or of insuffi cient capacity islikely to take much longer to complete the task and exposeworkers to more vibration for longer than is necessary.Choose machines with cab layouts and control leversarranged so that the operator is able to maintain a comfortableupright posture and will not need to twist thebody excessively, or maintain twisted postures for anylength of time.Selection of tyres can be important; tyres will absorbsome effects of uneven ground. However, tyres cannotabsorb the vibration from larger lumps and potholes, andsoft tyres on undulating ground can amplify a vehicle’svertical motions. Tyres need to be selected so that thevehicle can handle rougher terrain.3.3.3 Purchasing policyMake sure your purchasing department has a policy onpurchasing suitable equipment that takes into accounthealth and safety issues, including: vibration emission,ergonomic factors, driver vision and your operating requirements.76